Provision and utilisation of personal protective equipment amongst contractors in a mine in Phalaborwa, Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the provision and utilisation of personal protective equipment amongst contractors in a mine in Phalaborwa Limpopo Province. A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional research approach and design were used to conduct the study. Information was gathered through self-administered questionnaires that were analysed statistically. A cross-sectional study was used to investigate the provision and utilisation of PPE amongst contractors in a phosphate mine. A quantitative research study was conducted using a questionnaire to gather data from contractors working at Foskor mine. Two hundred sixty-one employees responded to the questionnaire. The findings revealed that contractors were not being provided with PPE hence there is little utilisation of it. They have to buy PPE from their own pockets. Respondents also reported that they were not trained on the use of PPE. The use of PPE among contractors is very low as compared to permanent employees. Conclusions The contracted companies were not providing PPE to their employees. As result, PPE was not utilised as required in the mine. The response also indicated that they were not trained in the use of PPE.